NEW DELHI: There is a proposal in the Ministry of Home Affairs to amend the Indian Penal Code, 1860 to make bribery in private sector a criminal offence. Since Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure fall in the Concurrent List of Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India, taking a view on the proposal is subject to receipt of comments from all the State Governments.

19 State Governments and 5 UTs have agreed with the proposal where 2 states have suggested amendments in the proposal/amplification of the ambit. One state and one UT have conveyed their disagreement with the proposal.

This was stated by V. Narayanasamy, Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and PMO in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.